ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) – “Stroll. Sip. Splurge!” is the tagline for this local event. But fun is not the only goal. The Wine Walk’s founder has motivations beyond jaunting and drinking.  

The third annual Wine Walk from 2 – 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, aims to raise funds for MANNA FoodBank and boost sales for struggling businesses in downtown Asheville. While perusing small businesses, participants will be savoring red and white wines. 

“Buy locally while sipping some wine and nibbling on charcuteries,” Denise Foy stated, pitching her event. Foy is the owner of Zhoosh Creative, a web developing firm with locations in Chicago and Asheville. 

Founding the Wine Walk was a natural combination of two things Foy loves. “I created it out of my love of wine,” she said. “I am a small business owner. I wanted to support local business.” 

Each year, Foy selects a charity to support using the ticket sales from the Wine Walk. Manna FoodBank had been selected as the benefitting charity this year before the storm. The hunger relief organization is the largest in Western North Carolina. 

MANNA FoodBank’s response to the natural disaster cemented her love for their operations. “It wasn’t until the hurricane that I saw how much they did,” Foy expressed. 

Concerned about the downtown economy, Foy thinks the Wine Walk could not have come at a better time this year. “A couple of the businesses we had last year closed” due to Hurricane Helene. She worries that without support from locals, more businesses will shutter. 

“Parking is free on Sundays” in Asheville, Foy relayed, stressing “the importance of supporting local businesses downtown.” 

This year, you can choose from one of three routes. “We started off the first year with one route, the second year two,” Foy explained. She added more paths to include more businesses on the sales boost they receive by hosting. 

The three routes are planned in the cardinal directions: north, south and west. Each is scheduled to have 8 unique locations with two drinks to try at each, a red and a white wine. If one of the wines on the line tickles your fancy, Foy says all you have to do is scan the QR code to pick up a bottle of it at the end of your journey. 

If you are wondering why there are exactly eight stops on each route, Foy said they tried 10 one year and people were getting slightly drunk. To prevent what she called “a liability,” Foy lowered the stops to eight. “Everybody said that was a good number,” she stated. 

All three routes converge at the same destination. Weinhaus, a wine retailer at 86 Patton Avenue, is the terminus of the trail and the place to pick up a bottle of your favorite wine from the trek. 

“This is the first year I have worked with them,” Foy explained. “They were really happy to jump on board with us.” 

Each participant will receive a packet with a wristband to signify their pilgrimage, a wine glass, a map of their route and tasting notes for the wines. Packets will be available for pickup at Ella Asheville at 49 Broadway Street. 

On the back of every map are exclusive coupons for the stores along their route. The deals were negotiated between Foy and the businesses hosting the Wine Walk. Foy called the discounts “good promo too.” 

There are two pricing brackets this year. The standard rate will be $60, and the VIP pass will be $75. VIP perks include a shopping bag, a head start on the tour, two additional tastings and more. 

For more information on the event and to order a ticket, visit the Wine Walk’s website.